which claimed the life of several family pets and caused an estimated $50,000 worth of damage.

Banker Mr. Cummings Zuill, who owns the house on Kirkdale Drive, was off the Island yesterday and unavailable for comment.

But a Fire spokesman said when 14 firemen in four fire engines rushed to the house shortly after 7.30 a.m. yesterday, they found the kitchen on fire.

Firefighters managed to extinguish the fire in a short time, using breathing apparatus.

"There was kitchen damage and heat and smoke damage to the rest of the house,'' the spokesman added.

Two dogs and a parrot, which were in the house, died of smoke inhalation.